Underworld

a long term geodynamics simulation platform

Underworld Subduction Model - Overview

In this tutorial, we walk you through how to set up a 3D subduction model for Underworld, show you how to run the model, and provide you with examples of model output visualized with gLucifer, a visualization package linked to Underworld (see links in upper right of page). We will also provide a brief overview of the numerical method and governing equations behind Underworld, as well as include examples of how other people have used Underworld to model subduction.

The 3D subduction model shown here contains one plate and the mantle. It is based on that of Stegman et al. 2006, in which the influence of trench width on subduction hinge retreat rates was explored. It consists of a dense lithospheric slab with a perturbed tip to initiate subduction. The model uses free-slip boundary conditons, so the width of the slab shown in the figure is the half width. We are assuming here, dimensionless numbers, and use viscosity ratios between the slab and mantle that will be defined in the model input xml file. Low resolution versions of this model can be run on a single processor, and for higher resolution runs the code can be run in parallel. Follow the links in the top right-hand corner for a guide to creating your own Underworld subduction model (low or high resolution), using the template input file SlabSubduction.xml as a guide.

Reference: Stegman, D.R., Freeman, J., Schellart, W.P., Moresi, L. and May, D., 2006. Influence of trench width on subduction hinge retreat rates in 3-D models of slab rollback. Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems 7(3).

Try the Underworld subduction model yourself in the:

-- Wendy Mason - 29 June 2010
-- Margarete Jadamec - 08 April 2009